A soil system for more nature in the city

The challenges of urbanization have changed. There is a growing trend toward a resilient urban model, adapted to climate change and giving nature its place back. This return of nature to the city implies a new view of development from a biodiversity-friendly perspective. This is the commitment of O2D Environnement. The O2D® concept is based on an "open," water- and air-permeable soil system that aims to preserve the natural functions of the soil.

The O2D® concept

The concept of the O2D® floor systems is based on the combination of a foundation type (mineral or organic), the TTE® grid and various backfill options. The TTE® grid is designed to have a high material density (28 kg/m2). It has a very high load-bearing capacity. Its rigidity, its mounting system and its large ground contact surface ensure optimal lateral load distribution, while its rectangular shape allows the laying methods to be adapted (chevron or staggered) for greater stability of the bearing surface. A true eco-material, it is manufactured in Belgium from 100% recycled and recyclable plastics. 

The main technical advantage is the 100% infiltration of precipitation at the trap site, without runoff, which allows the entire surface of the parking lot or access road to be disconnected from the sewer system and counter the risk of flooding.

On the same support, the grid, the concept proposes a modularity of infill that manifests itself in four draining floor systems: O2D Green, the vegetated draining floor system with grass or pre-grown grids; O2D Clinker, the asphalt draining floor system particularly suitable for pedestrians, persons with reduced mobility, bicycles, light and occasional heavy vehicles; O2D Minerals, the draining floor system with gravel preferentially used for long-term parking (stations, airports) or occasional large-area parking (parking lots, park-and-ride facilities and parking lots for multi-family dwellings) and finally O2D Mulch, the organic draining soil system, a true alternative to gravel filling that offers added value for the landscape (better integration thanks to the natural aesthetics of wood chips) and the environment (moisture reservoir, aeration, support of soil biodiversity).

O2D® permeable flooring solutions combi-nate technical performance, environmental benefits and landscape integration.

Environmental benefits

- Reducing the urban heat island effect.
Unlike closed surface materials, O2D® permeable floor systems restore the exchange between water and soil and do not contribute to the warming of the ambient temperature. They allow air to circulate and water to infiltrate. This is all the more noticeable in hot weather. The heat gain varies, depending on the system, from 0.7°C to 6°C (day) and from 6.1°C to 6.8°C (night).

- Safeguarding soil biodiversity.
Research has demonstrated the presence of a diverse mesofauna in the infill and foundation substrates of O2D® systems. The microbial activity found is similar to that measured in urban lawns. 

- Eco-landscape area beneficial to ecosystems
The 100% rainwater infiltration helps restore soil hydrology, replenish the water table and make WATER available to plants.

Landscape integration 

The alveolar O2D® grid solutions offer great modularity of infills on the same supporting base, allowing alternating vegetated and mineral surfaces. The demarcation of parking spaces or the marking and creation of logos are possible thanks to the insertion of concrete clinkers, which are available in different colors. This design freedom promotes landscape integration and adaptation to use (pedestrian or vehicular). 

Eco-material and virtuous production

TTE® gratings are made from recycled waste. Substrate manufacturing partners are selected based on quality criteria and a sound production method that integrates the recycling of construction waste and green waste. And to reduce the carbon impact, O2D Environnement strives to minimize the transport distances required for supply by giving preference to local actors.